§ 20. Sir J. Hutchisonasked the Paymaster-General what agreement has been come to with regard to linking the electricity systems of Great Britain and France by means of a cross-Channel cable; when work is likely to start; and when it is likely to be completed.
§ The Paymaster-General (Mr. Reginald Maudling)The Central Electricity Authority and Electricité de France have agreed to proceed with a scheme for linking the electricity systems of Great Britain and France. My noble Friend has given his approval in principle to the Central Electricity Authority, but work cannot start until the Authority has completed its detailed planning and secured the necessary statutory consents. It is hoped that the project will be completed by the winter of 1960–61.
§ Sir J. HutchisonCan my right hon. Friend say what the approximate total cost will be; who pays this total cost; is it shared or paid by this country; who will benefit, and in what way?
§ Mr. MaudlingThe total cost will be about £4 million of which we shall pay half and the French will pay half, and the total annual savings to the two countries should be about £300,000.